Recommendations for casual italian lunch

On our last trip we enjoyed both Rose Pistola and Tiramasu, (would you consider them bistros?) so that should give an idea -- contemporary, california influenced- italian. Location isn't important in the city as we can grab a cab.

Gail Simmons gives us her list of pantry must-haves. Ingredients you should always have around to enhance and boost the flavor of all your meals. It's the little things that keep life interesting. Read more here.

Chefs Joanne Chang and Karen Akunowicz from Myers + Chang in Boston, show us how to use lemongrass. It's the central ingredient in their Green Monster, infusing the stir-fry with unique bright, citrusy, and floral-herbal fragrance. Read more.